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emmd

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What emmd is

emmd is a free Sega Genesis, also called Mega Drive, emulator written in Go and aimed at Model 1 hardware. Its desktop interface provides a ROM library with scanning, artwork, metadata, save-state management, rewind, fast-forward, shader effects, RetroAchievements integration, and configurable settings. Emulation covers the Motorola 68000 and Zilog Z80 CPUs, VDP rendering, YM2612 FM synthesis, and SN76489 PSG audio. Two-player three-button and six-button controllers are supported. Battery-backed SRAM and save states use CRC32 checksums and ROM CRC matching. NTSC and PAL regions can be detected from a ROM header or selected manually. A LibRetro core supports compatible frontends, and the project documents a signed macOS application bundle build. emmd targets officially licensed, released Genesis games; unlicensed or homebrew games, prototypes, beta ROMs, and non-controller peripherals are unsupported. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS. Building requires Go 1.25 or later, and the repository uses GPL-3.0.

Who it suits

emmd suits people seeking a Genesis-only emulator with desktop library tools, save states, shaders, and LibRetro support. It is also relevant to users on Windows, macOS, Linux, or iOS.

What it does well

  • Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS
  • ROM scanning with artwork and metadata
  • Rewind, fast-forward, and shader effects
  • NTSC and PAL region handling
  • LibRetro core included

What to know first

  • Genesis games only
  • Unlicensed and homebrew games unsupported
  • Building requires Go 1.25 or later
  • Non-controller peripherals unsupported

Limits

Compatibility is limited to officially licensed, released Genesis games. Unlicensed or homebrew games, prototypes, beta ROMs, and non-controller peripherals are unsupported.

Getting started

  1. Open the project at https://github.com/user-none/emmd
  2. Build the project with Go 1.25 or later
  3. Run it on Windows, macOS, Linux, or iOS
  4. Scan your Genesis ROMs into the desktop game library
  5. Use the LibRetro core with a compatible frontend

Verdict

emmd combines Genesis emulation with library management, save features, shaders, and regional options. Its stated compatibility scope is limited to officially licensed released games and controller-based play.

Questions

Is emmd free?

Yes. The project lists a free plan and is licensed under GPL-3.0.

Which platforms are supported?

emmd supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS.

What system does it emulate?

It emulates Sega Genesis, or Mega Drive, Model 1 hardware.

Does it support save states and shaders?

Yes. Save states and shader effects are included, along with battery-backed SRAM support.

Can it work with LibRetro frontends?

Yes. The project provides a LibRetro core for LibRetro-compatible frontends.

What is required to build it?

Building requires Go 1.25 or later.

Facts from emmd's own pages

Build requirement
Building the project requires Go 1.25 or later. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Compatibility limit
The emulator targets officially licensed, released Genesis games and lists unlicensed or homebrew games, prototypes, beta ROMs, and non-controller peripherals as unsupported. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Compatibility limits
The emulator targets officially licensed and released Genesis games and says it does not support unlicensed or homebrew games, prototype or beta ROMs, or non-controller peripherals. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Controllers
It supports two players using 3-button or 6-button controllers. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Desktop features
The desktop UI includes a game library with ROM scanning, artwork, metadata, save state management, rewind, fast-forward, shader effects, RetroAchievements integration, and configurable settings. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Desktop library
Its desktop UI provides a game library with ROM scanning, artwork, metadata, save-state management, rewind, fast-forward, shader effects, RetroAchievements integration, and configurable settings. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Development requirement
Building the project requires Go 1.25 or later. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Emulated hardware
The emulator supports Motorola 68000 and Zilog Z80 CPUs, VDP rendering, YM2612 FM synthesis, and SN76489 PSG audio. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Emulation
The emulator supports Motorola 68000 and Zilog Z80 CPUs, VDP rendering, YM2612 FM synthesis, and SN76489 PSG audio. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Frontend integration
The project provides a LibRetro core for use with LibRetro-compatible frontends. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Integration
A LibRetro core is provided for use with LibRetro-compatible frontends. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
License
The repository lists a GPL-3.0 license. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
macOS
The project documents a build target that creates a macOS application bundle with an icon and code signing. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Maker
The GitHub account for the repository is named John Schember and lists Florida, USA. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Product
emmd is a Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) emulator written in Go and targeting Model 1 hardware. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Purpose
emmd is a Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) emulator written in Go and targeting Model 1 hardware. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Regions
It supports NTSC and PAL and can detect the region from a ROM header. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Save data
It supports battery-backed SRAM and save states, which are checked with CRC32 checksums and ROM CRC matching. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026

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